Food Dubai Cuisines

Must try local cuisines

Dubai:

Dubai is a melting pot of diverse cultures, and its culinary scene reflects the influences of the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and beyond. There is a good variety available for vegetarians too. Here are some must-try local cuisines and dishes in Dubai:

1. Arabic Mezze (Vegetarian):

Hummus: A classic Middle Eastern dip made from blended chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic.

Baba Ganoush: Grilled eggplant mixed with tahini, olive oil, and various seasonings.

Falafel: Deep-fried balls or patties made from ground chickpeas or fava beans.

2. Shawarma:

Thinly sliced marinated meat (usually chicken or lamb) wrapped in flatbread, often served with tahini sauce, garlic sauce, or pickles.

3. Al Harees:

A traditional Emirati dish made with meat, wheat, and a pinch of salt, slow-cooked until it becomes a smooth, porridge-like consistency.

4. Manousheh (Vegetarian):

A Lebanese flatbread topped with a variety of ingredients such as za'atar (a spice blend with thyme, sumac, and sesame seeds), cheese, or minced meat.

5. Arabic Coffee (Gahwa) and Dates (Vegetarian):

Gahwa is a traditional Arabic coffee, often flavored with cardamom. It is served in small cups accompanied by dates.

6. Grilled Halloumi (Vegetarian):

A popular cheese in the region, halloumi is often grilled or fried and served as a savory dish or in salads.

7. Al Machboos:

A spiced rice dish with meat (usually chicken, lamb, or fish), flavored with aromatic spices and dried lemon.

8. Luqaimat (Vegetarian):

Deep-fried dough balls, often drizzled with date syrup or honey, making for a sweet and crunchy dessert.

9. Kunafa (Vegetarian):

A sweet dessert made with thin noodle-like pastry soaked in syrup and layered with cheese or nuts.

10. Al Samak Tandoori:

Tandoori-style grilled fish, marinated with aromatic spices, herbs, and sometimes yogurt.

11. Mandi:

A traditional Yemeni dish featuring rice, meat (usually lamb or chicken), and a mixture of aromatic spices.

12. Umm Ali:

A delightful bread pudding dessert made with puff pastry, milk, nuts, and sometimes coconut.

13. Kebabs and Grilled Meats:

Enjoy various kebabs and grilled meats, including lamb chops, kofta, and shish taouk.

14. Falafel Sandwich (Vegetarian and Non Veg option):

Freshly fried falafel balls stuffed into a pita or flatbread and topped with vegetables and tahini sauce.

Dubai's culinary landscape offers a wide range of flavors, from traditional Emirati dishes to international cuisine. Exploring local markets, known as souks, and trying these dishes in both high-end restaurants and local eateries will provide a well-rounded taste of the city's diverse food culture.